Hello Darlings! It’s Emma here, your trusty #TutuTuesday tour guide, ready to take you on another journey through time, this week landing in a very exciting year - 1961!
Now, my fabulous followers, you know my motto: Every day is a chance to twirl in a tutu! And 1961, as we’re about to discover, was certainly no exception! Buckle up, babes, we’re going on a glamorous ride to the year that saw a whole heap of iconic moments for ballet!
(Oh, and don't forget to head to www.pink-tutu.com every Tuesday to get your dose of tutu history!)
This week, we're setting the stage at The Royal Opera House, London, a veritable temple of ballet! You could practically smell the tradition in the air - a wonderful blend of sandalwood, anticipation, and just a dash of champagne.
May 9th, 1961, oh what a day it was! The air buzzed with the excitement of ballet enthusiasts and the delicate melodies of the orchestra already filled the theatre, promising an evening of exquisite artistry.
But wait, before we delve into the performances, let's take a moment to marvel at the fashion of the day. This was a time of fabulous femininity and exquisite elegance, and the ball gowns were a delight! Flowing silk, cinched waists, and glittering embellishments were the order of the day, reminding me just how beautiful ballet could inspire fashion.
Now, I know some of you might be thinking "Emma, didn't ballet costumes look very different in the 60s?"
Well, yes and no!
The classical tutu, that gorgeous symbol of a ballerina, was definitely still in vogue, but there were whispers of change in the air. Designers were experimenting with colours and textures, moving away from the strict traditions of the past, allowing for a bit more freedom of expression and movement.
Remember, darlings, ballet isn't about sticking to rigid rules! It's about letting your artistic spirit soar! And the beautiful, delicate tutus were starting to reflect that spirit!
Speaking of tutus, one thing that fascinated me about the time was the variety of lengths and fabrics used. Think poularde, the long, fluffy tutu that just seems to float, perfect for ballets like “La Sylphide”, and the classic, knee-length tutu, a favourite for showcasing the intricate steps and jumps.
But perhaps my absolute favourite look of the era? It was the "whimsical" tutu - one made with delicate layers of tulle, that caught the light in the most wonderful way, dancing as gracefully as the ballerinas themselves! I could spend hours just watching those delicate ruffles flutter in the air.
But back to our show at The Royal Opera House! The excitement of the evening was amplified by the performance of none other than Margot Fonteyn herself! This icon of ballet grace had already enthralled the world with her artistry, and 1961 saw her return to the stage with captivating performances, setting the standard for generations of ballerinas to come.
(It's almost impossible not to be awed by the beauty and strength of ballet. My very own journey to the time-traveling world of tutus began when I witnessed a performance of Swan Lake at the Royal Ballet. I swear, darlings, there was magic in the air that night! That's how my passion was sparked!)
It was during this era that the Royal Ballet solidified its place as a powerhouse of artistic excellence. The innovative choreography and the technical prowess of their dancers captivated the world, attracting audiences of all ages.
But it wasn't just in the theatre where ballet was flourishing! The Royal Ballet Company was busy travelling, spreading the joy of dance far and wide! This year, they were bringing the elegance of their performance to theatres all over Europe, from Vienna to Milan, ensuring that tutus were the hottest fashion accessory from the Channel to the Adriatic.
(Think about it, darlings! These talented ballerinas travelled by train, often through the night, arriving at new cities and bringing the magic of ballet with them!)
Just the thought of being surrounded by beautiful ballerinas in their magnificent tutus, all headed to some grand, historical venue, brings such a sense of romanticism. It was almost as if these ballerinas had their own fairy tale unfolding as they traversed through Europe, creating beautiful moments of magic at every turn.
(And remember darlings, you can take a part of this fairy tale with you too! No need to wait for time travel! Just put on your own tutu, grab a glass of something sparkling, and allow the beauty of ballet to transport you to any world you desire!)
Speaking of fashion, did you know that the iconic Peter Pan Collar made its big debut in 1961! Oh, what a joy it was to see! This whimsical collar, all playful and sophisticated, brought a new dimension of charm to fashion!
And for those who like to shop with a little flair, Harrods was a place to be in 1961! It was a real haven of stylish treasures and luxurious experiences. Shopping sprees for the season’s latest looks were a must! (Not to mention the endless variety of ballet shoes and tutus. Just picturing myself skipping down those grand hallways, all set for a shopping expedition with a tea party to follow. Divine! )
But hold your horses, lovelies! Before we bid farewell to 1961, let’s go on a short side trip!
Have you ever heard of Pink Lady apples? Well, these adorable little delights made their debut right around this time! Now, if that’s not a sweet reminder of all the fabulousness in the world, then I don’t know what is!
( And, for a little insider knowledge, a little birdie tells me that this date has a connection to the legendary designer Christian Dior! Imagine, our world of pink tutus is deeply intertwined with the glamorous creations of this fashion giant! What a delightful link! It truly showcases the power of ballet to inspire creative brilliance.)
Until next week, darlings, keep spinning, keep dreaming, and never be afraid to express your inner ballerina. Because with every twirl in your tutu, you create a bit of magic in the world. Now, off I go to plan my next time-travel adventure! Remember to tune in next Tuesday for more ballet history!
And don't forget, you can always find more tips on creating your own fabulous tutu looks on www.pink-tutu.com.
Until next time! Keep your spirits high, and remember to **always twirl!
#TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #TimeTravelTutus #FashionThroughTheDecades
(Emma signing off!)
